Sooners and Tigers Finalists for Top Linebacker Prospect Jay Schell
Four-star linebacker Jay Schell has narrowed his college choices to Oklahoma and Clemson. The 6-foot-3, 214-pound prospect is ranked as the No. 8 linebacker in the 2028 class. Oklahoma coach Brent Venables, who spent a decade at Clemson, is competing against his former school for Schell's commitment.
Schell recorded 77 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass breakup during his sophomore season at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. He holds offers from Ohio State, Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Georgia, and Michigan. Rivals' Chad Simmons has logged an expert prediction favoring Oklahoma, which would give Venables a recruiting win over his former employer.
Oklahoma is also hosting other top 2028 defensive prospects this fall. Kellan Hall, the No. 2 recruit nationally per Rivals, will attend the New Mexico game on Sept. 19, along with edge rusher Major Stokes from Utah. Hall has visited Norman four times already, while Stokes has trips planned to Michigan, Alabama, Miami, USC, and Utah.
This recruitment reflects the high-stakes competition in college football, where coaching ties and program prestige shape decisions. The outcome could influence Oklahoma's defensive trajectory and signal whether Venables can out-recruit his former school for elite talent. For fans and the broader college sports community, these commitments affect team